In-Vehicle Camera Case back in Court: Relief from Groundless Threats of Infringement

In a previous proceeding which we reported in our article, Lee Tat Cheng (Lee) sued Maka GPS Technologies (Maka) for infringement of Singapore Patent No. 87795 (Patent). The Patent was found to be valid but not infringed by the Maka devices. The High Court judge also granted an injunction against the continuance of threat by Lee. On appeal, the Appeal Court upheld the validity of the Patent and the non-infringement decision. However, the decision to grant injunctive relief was reversed.

Groundless Threats of Infringement Proceedings

In accordance with S. 77(1) of the Singapore Patents Act, a person aggrieved by threats made by another person may bring proceedings in Court against that person making the threats.

S. 77(2) further states that a threat of infringement proceedings would be justified if:

a) the party who made the threats proves that the threatening acts constitute or would constitute an infringement of his patent; and

b) the patent is not shown by the claimant to be invalid.

Maka’s counterclaim for groundless threats of infringement was based on the cease-and-decease letters sent by Lee. This was deemed to be amount to a threat of infringement as the patent was not infringed by the Maka devices.

Is Maka Entitled to Relief?

S. 77(3) states that a threatened person may seek the following relief:

a) a declaration that the threats are unjustified;

b) an injunction against continuance of threats; and

c) damages sustained by the threats made.

The Appeal Court confirms that for a claimant to be entitled to claim relief, the claimant needs to prove that he is aggrieved. In this regard, the grant of relief is discretionary on the Court, upon the claimant showing that:

a) he has suffered loss as a result of the threats; or

b) it is appropriate for the Court to intervene.

As Maka had not proven that it had suffered loss as a result of the threats and Lee that is not expected to make further threats of infringement, no relief was granted.

Take Away Points

1. When proving aggrievement, it is not certain if “loss” needs to be quantifiable (eg. loss of sales) or intangible (eg. diminished reputation/credibility).

2. In the event of a possible groundless threat situation, one may consider seeking legal advice promptly so as to enable a possibility that the Court is able to intervene.